Mario Kart World Direct April Recap: Full List of Playable Characters and New Details Revealed

Nintendo fans worldwide tuned in to the highly anticipated April Mario Kart World Direct, eager for the newest information about the upcoming racing blockbuster, Mario Kart World.

Hosted on April 17th, 2025, this dedicated digital event gave viewers a closer look at features, tracks, and the character roster coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

As the latest entry in the beloved franchise developed and published by Nintendo, Mario Kart World is poised to set new records following its detailed showcase.

Mario Kart World Direct: Key Announcements Spanning 15 minutes, the Mario Kart World Direct offered several concrete updates.

While substantial new features were kept under wraps, Nintendo delivered verified insights into the final game experience and addressed community questions. Confirmed Tracks and Racing Innovations Among the highlights, the Direct confirmed several fan-favorite tracks would make their return, now enhanced with next-generation visuals and dynamic weather effects optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.

Although specifics on every new course were withheld, viewers were treated to fresh gameplay clips that emphasized upgraded graphics and multiplayer enhancements. Playable Character Roster Expands Building on details from the initial Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, in-person gameplay sessions at regional Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, and official media kits, the full list of playable characters is now shaping up to be the most expansive in series history.

Today’s Direct confirmed that Mario Kart World will feature 50 distinct racers, offering players unprecedented variety.

Races will accommodate up to 24 competitors on a single track, doubling the excitement and strategy for both online and local modes.

Reflecting on Community Feedback During the presentation, Nintendo spokespeople reiterated their commitment to balancing nostalgia with innovation in Mario Kart World.

In paraphrased remarks, the company emphasized their aim to "deliver the deepest Mario Kart experience yet, with a character lineup and course selection that will satisfy veterans and newcomers alike." This approach aligns with previous milestones for the franchise, which remains one of Nintendo’s top-selling properties.

For context, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch surpassed 60 million units sold by early 2025, according to official company data. Legacy and Platform Availability Mario Kart World is being developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 and will be available both physically and via the Nintendo eShop at launch.

The game joins a line of major releases announced in the lead-up to the Nintendo Switch 2’s debut, which is set to redefine portable and console gaming through improved performance and online capabilities.

Additionally, Nintendo continues to expand its Switch Online and eShop ecosystems, supporting ongoing engagement with both legacy and new titles. Elsewhere in Nintendo News: GoldenEye 007’s Return In related industry updates, Nightdive Studios publicly addressed the anticipated but ultimately unrealized GoldenEye 007 remaster.

While GoldenEye 007 made its long-awaited return to current-gen platforms—including Nintendo Switch via Switch Online and Xbox One—in 2023, studio representatives clarified, in summary, that the project faced licensing barriers preventing a further enhanced version. Looking Forward With Mario Kart World’s full roster and next-generation enhancements now unveiled, Nintendo has set the stage for one of 2025’s most anticipated releases.

Players can look forward to more updates as the official launch approaches.

For ongoing news, stay tuned to Nintendo’s channels and future Nintendo Direct events.

Mario Kart World Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Nightdive Studios GoldenEye 007 Switch Online eShop